Page 155 of Riot

She didn’t blink. “I’m not staying behind. He knew I was missing and did nothing to come get me. He knew where I was the whole time.”

Irina stood from the couch, wringing her hands. “Be careful. Please. All of you.”

“Hit us if you hear from Rollo,” I replied.

We left her behind. Locked up the brownstone, loaded the car.

Flatbush was far enough and the ride felt endless. Each red light a slap. Each turn an echo.

I gripped the wheel like it could hold me together. Like it could keep my mind from spiraling into what-ifs.

What if Carmelo had Rollo?

The building on Newkirk was run-down. Quiet. Brick chipping, blinds drawn, graffiti laced across the first floor window.

Creed hopped out first, checking angles. I followed, with Allure right behind me.

I wanted to tell her to stay in the car.

I didn’t.

Because some things, you gotta do yourself. Besides I killed Boaz before she could. If she wanted to be there for this. That’s fine.

We crept up the stairs, shoes light on concrete, every shadow a maybe.

Creed gave the nod.

I kicked the door in.

Carmelo was inside alone.

Sitting in a folding chair, elbows on his knees, a half-burned blunt between his fingers.

He didn’t flinch. Didn’t run. Just looked up at us with those dead eyes.

“Of course this bitch ratted me out,” he barked towards Allure.

“Carmelo.” My voice was low, steady. “We need to talk.”

He smirked like we were playing cards, not cornering him for a war crime. “You brought my sister? Ain’t that sweet. What’s the matter, traitor? You need your new man to finish what Pops started?”

I stiffened. Felt Allure step past me.

“You betrayed me,” she said, voice flat. “Youknew.You knew where I was the whole time. And you never came.”

Carmelo’s bravado cracked. Just a flicker. Just enough.

“I didn’t?—”

“Mama told me,” she snapped. “Told me you all knew. That he sold me like cattle. And you didn’t lift a finger.”

He stood now. Hands up, bluffing some shaky peace. “Look, I didn’t know it was like that…”

“Shut the fuck up,” I growled. “You sent hittas to my winery. Shot at my people. Ruined my business. You think I care whatyouthought?”

Carmelo’s eyes darted to me, panic rising fast now. “That wasn’t me, man. That was your brother. Havoc. He led me to you. You killed my father so I was tryna get even.”

Creed stiffened. “What?”

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